When Upon Life's Billows....

I like to have an inspiration when I write in our blog... something worth mentioning, something with meaning.  Although life has been {insane} lately, I've wanted to write.  I even sat down to write a few times... something about it helps me.  I've always loved to write.  Anyway, I just couldn't think of anything to write about.  Sure, I could write about the little things we've done each day.  But honestly, I've been feeling so stressed out that I could pretty much only think about that.  But tonight, today, I found my inspiration.

Call me a dork, but I love Disney Channel movies (it's dorky, I know).  You see, the last several months or so have been SO frustrating.  I find what looks like a good, clean "chick-flick," get most of the way into it, and I'm sitting there completely engrossed wondering, "Is he going to be a good guy??"  or "Is she going to stay with him?!!"  What would have been a WONDERFUL movie, beautifully made, turns out being horrible.  One person or the other leaves and decides they have a greater mission in life.  I have gotten so tired of that.  I'm the kind of person that really likes happy endings.  A movie can even be sad, but if it has a happy ending, that's okay (like We Are Marshall, which I realize is based on a true story... but still.).

Plus, it seems like every time I find a chick flick where the guy and girl might actually end up together they have to throw in some kind of scene that I deem as trash.  So, what's a girl to do?  Naturally (for me, at least), I resorted to a Disney Channel movie.  lol.  Why? Because they have happy endings... and I still get that giddy feeling inside when the guy and girl end up together (and don't have sex)... even if they're only 15. hahahaha.  It's for this reason I LOVE the movies Pride and Prejudice and Amazing Grace... plus, I've always been fascinated by the abolition of slavery.  But that's beside the point right now.  Those movies have the happy ending I'm looking for without the trash and misconceptions of the world we live in.

I believe in happy endings.  Sure, life may throw some curve balls, and not everyone has happy endings.  But who doesn't like to hope for them?  Hope is so empowering.  Besides, with the gospel of Jesus Christ, everyone can have a happy ending... no matter what life throws at them.

Anyway, that is my rant on that subject.

This week has been filled with little miracles, amid the seeming chaos.  My amazing, amazing, amazing photoshop class ended (did I mention it was AMAZING?!), and I started a new class: Tabletop Photography.  I'm pretty excited about it.  Although, I have to admit that I am not very talented in the tabletop photography department... it's much more natural for me to photograph people.  And, I think I'm a lot better at it... one reason I'm taking this class, I guess. =P  (By the way, if you're interested in these or other classes on Nicole's website, go ahead and sign up for their emailed newsletter where you can find out about their awesome sales.  That way you can snag a sweet discount like I did!  But even if you don't do that, they're well worth the money!)

I'm learning a lot so far... a lot of the mistakes I'm making. =P  I'm learning how to take better shots and simplify... which is always good in photography, in my opinion.

Gratitude always brings in such a special spirit.  So, I decided today before starting my scripture study that I would write down some of the ways I have seen the hand of the Lord in my life lately.  Like when my friend Megan and I went for a walk with our boys to the park and back.  We came back sweaty, tired and sunburned (poor babies!), but I had such a good time.  I needed that so much.  It amazes me how easy it is for me to forget just how much I need other people.  I get so wrapped up in what I'm doing and going through that I forget the joy and peace it brings me just to be with others.  Plus, Megan is just amazing to be around.  From the first week we moved here she was reaching out to me as my Relief Society president and I just felt her love... as I am sure every sister in our ward does.

Another thing I am grateful for is our ward fireside tonight.  We had a member from the Rexburg Temple presidency come in and speak to us with his wife.  The Spirit was so strong.  And I came away with a renewed determination to attend the Temple regularly so that I can have the Spirit with me more.  Afterwards we played games as a ward while some wonderful sisters from a singles ward watched our kiddos.  We got to play the Gordons version of the game Pit.  It was SO fun.  They are such fun people to be around.  Each round we had to say the numbers in a different language or style of talking.  We even did Canadian (one, eh?)... sorry to all you Canadians out there!  hehe.  I haven't laughed like I did tonight in a LONG time.  It was so good to just let my hair down (figuratively speaking... I actually put it up because I was so hot! hehe) and relax.  I came away feeling so edified.  It was wonderful.

Then holding my little boys through out the day... wow, it was wonderful.  However brief it may have been.  However often they may have been screaming and crying and hitting and pinching and scratching...

I just thought of how much I love them.  And precious and cute and tender they are to me.  I'm so grateful to be a mother to such beautiful, wonderful little boys.  And then there's my husband, wow.  Just wow.  He is the absolute best.  I couldn't ask for anyone better to be a father to my children, to have fun with, to strengthen me, to be by my side through out eternity

The point?  "When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost, count your many blessings name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done." (count your blessings hymn)

I am so richly blessed.  We are so richly blessed.

Laura